May 2, 2025
South Korea’s acting president, Han Deok-soo, has resigned from his post and announced that he will run in the upcoming election.
Han, who is also the prime minister of the South Korean government, had been acting president in place of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was removed from office due to martial law.
He himself was impeached by the opposition and temporarily suspended from office in connection with the matter, but South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled that Han was not guilty and reinstated him as acting president.
Now, Han has decided to resign from his government duties and run in the June 3 election.
May 1st further complicated South Korea’s already volatile political situation, with the most likely presidential candidate facing a retrial on charges of violating election laws, and two key members of the government, including Han, resigning.
When he stepped down as acting president and prime minister, Han hinted at the possibility of running for re-election. He said he intended to take on greater responsibilities.
In a televised speech on May 2nd, Han said he would do his best to serve the people of South Korea, which he loves so much.
To that end, Han said he would do his best to win the election.
At 75, South Korea’s oldest politician is expected to lead the People Power Party, which has been losing popularity under former President Yoon, to rally conservative forces.
His main rival is the liberal presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, who is the front-runner to win the election. Lee was acquitted of charges of violating election laws by a Seoul Metropolitan Court ruling.
However, the ruling was overturned by South Korea’s Supreme Court on May 1, leaving the election uncertain.
Han is a politician respected by both liberals and conservatives, having held high-profile positions under governments of both parties, including finance minister, trade minister, prime minister and ambassador to the United States.
Source: France24